A Féile on the rise
Féile na Sionainne began in 2023 with a simple idea to celebrate Athlone’s rich cultural heritage while creating a new annual festival for the town.
Speaking about the origins of the festival, Chairperson of Féile na Sionainne Jim Mulkerrins said the event grew out of a renewed energy within the Athlone Comhaltas branch.
The branch was reformed in 2023, coinciding with the Fleadh Cheoil taking place in Mullingar. The organisers of the Fleadh approached Athlone Comhaltas about bringing part of the celebrations to the town, with Athlone hosting events on the Tuesday of the Fleadh.
“That gave us the opportunity to say, ‘Let’s make something of our own here'. That’s where the idea for Féile na Sionainne, the Festival of the Shannon, came from," Jim said.
Working alongside the Fleadh committee in Mullingar, the newly formed festival team organised a three-day celebration over the bank holiday weekend, finishing with a major Comhaltas event in Athlone.
Despite challenging weather conditions, the inaugural festival was a huge success and generated enthusiasm to make it an annual event.
In 2024, the festival returned with a focus on showcasing Athlone’s culture, music, history and heritage.
“We focused very much on local musicians,” Jim said. “We didn't have the budget to be paying outside performers at that stage, so we built it around our own community and our own talent.”
Inclusivity has also been central to the festival’s development. The organisers have worked to ensure that children with additional needs and older members of the community are included through dedicated events such as music therapy sessions and quiet discos.
Jim said the festival also recognises the important role music plays for older people, particularly those living with dementia.
“People with dementia in particular enjoy musical experiences, but you can’t always bring them into huge crowds, so we run more tailored sessions for them,” he said.
Since its launch, Féile na Sionainne has continued to grow. Increased funding has allowed the organisers to expand the programme, with two stages planned for this year, a daytime stage and an evening stage, featuring both local performers and those from farther afield.
The festival has also introduced larger headline events in advance of the main weekend. Last year featured the Ox Mountain Quartet, while this year’s programme launched with 'The Devil in the Dance Hall' in Moore Hall, a theatrical production exploring the history of dance halls, jazz and swing music, and the opposition they faced in earlier decades.
This year’s festival has also already provided workshops by renowned musicians including Ryan Molloy, Stephen Doherty, Tom Doherty and Kathy Jordan.
In addition, the festival has developed a successful partnership with Athlone River Festival, creating a wider celebration that brings thousands of people into the town.
The combined festival weekend now includes street music, markets, family activities, Viking-themed events, water-based activities, fishing competitions, parades and performances throughout Athlone
Jim believes Féile na Sionainne has become one of the biggest cultural events in the town’s calendar.
“The St Patrick’s Day celebrations and the Croí na hEireann festival are also very important, but in terms of the size and the number of people coming into town, Féile na Sionainne has grown enormously.”
Behind the success of both Athlone Comhaltas and Féile na Sionainne is a dedicated voluntary committee whose commitment keeps the organisations thriving throughout the year.
Led by Chairperson Jim Mulkerrins and Vice Chairperson Aengus O’Rourke, with Ellen Glennon, Athlone Comhaltas Chairperson, Secretary Fiona O’Neill, Athlone Comhaltas Secretary Mary Norton and Treasurer Miriam Nally overseeing the branch’s administration.
They are supported by Junior Group Coordinator Anita McEnroe, Fundraising Coordinator James Donohue, PRO Dave Caulfield, Athlone Comhaltas PRO Philippa Barry, Media & Interview Coordinator Michelle O’Connor, Programme Coordinator and Ticket Sales Lucy Nally, Session Organiser Eimear Brett and fire safety officer Colm McDaid.
Ellen Glennon paid tribute to the volunteers behind both Athlone Comhaltas and Féile na Sionainne. She acknowledged the contribution of Aengus O’Rourke, who helped develop the original idea of bringing part of the Fleadh to Athlone in 2023, as well as John Henson for his support in establishing the festival.
Sponsorship remains vital to the festival’s continued growth.
“We rely heavily on the support of our sponsors. We really appreciate that support and we look forward to working with sponsors over the coming years,” said Jim Mulkerrins.